How to contact me: deb.belt@patch.com.
Deb Belt has been an editor and team leader with Patch.com since August 2011, and regional manager of the Southeast team since 2017. After launching Patches in Iowa -- where staffers covered the 2012 Iowa Caucuses and the presidential campaign -- Deb joined the Southeast team of editors. Since March 2017 she has led Patch sites ranging from the Baltimore/DC area to Atlanta and Tampa/St. Pete.
She previously worked as an editor for 13 years at the Des Moines Register, focused on suburban coverage that ranged from local election coverage to city and county government reporting and crime/safety issues. During this period she led a team of 27 reporters, photographers and editors who produced 27 print sections a week, and transitioned into digital news.
As a weekly newspaper editor, Deb led the staff of the Indianola Record-Herald to win the prestigious Newspaper of the Year award from the Iowa Newspaper Association in 1997, competing against newspapers from major metros. She also won multiple INA and National Newspaper Association awards for covering city government and editorials examining open meetings issues, the need for bond issue approvals, and other good government practices.
In the digital space, Deb has earned an award for Patch's 2024 coverage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore harbor, along with local editor Jacob Baumgart.
Deb grew up in Missouri, Iowa and Illinois, and majored in journalism at Northwest Missouri State University. She has spent her entire career in community journalism.
A Washington, D.C., man was charged Monday with murder in the shooting of a teen on a Metro Bus in Montgomery County more than a year ago.
A man accused of stealing a Fairfax police cruiser and leading officers on a chase near Fair Oaks Mall was arrested, along with 2 others.
Arlington County Police have arrested a man accused of firing shots from a vehicle on Richmond Highway at another driver after a collision.
Two Forward Party candidates have qualified to seek seats on the Arlington County Board and school board in November's election.
The clothing retailer Express said in April it planned to close 3 stores in Maryland. A report said the Bethesda site will also close.
A Silver Spring woman is the first Maryland Lottery player to win $50,000 in THE BIG SPIN scratch-off game, game officials said.
A four-foot snake was found in books at a Goodwill store in Stafford, the sheriff said. An officer charmed the reptile and released it.
A heat advisory has been issued Sunday for NoVA and DC, a day after a record high temperature was set at Dulles. Here's the latest info.
A heat advisory has been issued Sunday for much of Maryland, a day after a record high temperature was set at BWI. Here's the latest info.
Florida's birth rate increased from 2022 to 2023, defying a national trend that saw birth rates slide. Both years were higher than 2021.
Since 2018, home insurance costs have been rising in Florida, with 2023 seeing a large increase in prices. See a breakdown here.
Since 2018, home insurance costs have been rising in Virginia, with 2023 seeing a large increase in prices. See a breakdown here.
Since 2018, home insurance costs have been rising in Maryland, with 2023 seeing a large increase in prices. See a breakdown here.
A man is in custody following the attempted sexual assault of a teenager in an elevator, according to Montgomery County Police.
After a judge ordered the Dali crew to stay put, attorneys in the Key Bridge collapse civil case have a deal to let the workers go home.
Twenty-two Florida companies made the Fortune 500 list for 2024, its editors said. The firms are ranked by total annual revenue.
Refresh for updates in Patch's live coverage of the 2024 U.S. House Democratic primary election in Virginia's 4th District.
Refresh for updates in Patch's live coverage of the 2024 U.S. House Democratic primary election in Virginia's 5th District.
Refresh for updates in Patch's live coverage of the 2024 U.S. House Democratic primary election in Virginia's 5th District.
Refresh for updates in Patch's live coverage of the 2024 U.S. House Democratic primary election in Virginia's 3rd District.
